Top 5 Most Popular Fleet Vans
09-01-2018
1. Vauxhall Vivaro 2014 onwards
The Vauxhall Vivaro is a fantastic work horse, which has been around for a number of years, acquiring many loyal customers over its lifetime. The latest model introduced in 2014 has the largest load area in its class, as well as having outstanding build quality - which incidentally is perhaps the best across the van market. The Vivaro also has a superbly refined engine and comfortable ride - not bad for a typical commercial vehicle. The Vivaro range features many economical variations of its 1.6-litre diesel engine which returns between 40-50mpg. Service intervals extend the attractive running costs, as the Vivaro only needs to be serviced every 2 years or 25,000 miles - whichever comes first. Styling is typical panel van, with the obvious Vauxhall look added to the front of the Vivaro (Renault etc. follow suit with slightly different front end styling) yet the interior has been given a much more comforting feel with useful additions such as docking facilities for smartphones and tablets, as well as cruise control and the option of an arm rest and trim upgrades depending on preference.
Vivaro Vital Statistics:
Payload Up to 1,280kg
Height 1,971 - 2,465mm
Length 4,998 - 5,398mm
Width 2,283mm
Economy (combined) 40- 50mpg
2. Volkswagen Transporter
Just like the cars they build, German manufacturer Volkswagen know how to build a decent van too. Build quality is superb and the Transporter is perhaps the most desirable van out there with upmarket looks, a top-quality interior and an appealing base model spec. The Transporter has a great touchscreen infotainment set-up, along with useful features such as DAB+ and Bluetooth as standard. Engine wise, the Transporter uses the renown 2.0-litre TDI unit and BiTDI engine which both comply with Euro 6 standards. All engines used in the Transporter model range feature VW's BlueMotion technology as standard, which features improved economy triggers such as regenerative braking and Start/Stop technology. Residual values are also very strong within the Transporter range, due to their popularity and strong heritage. It's worth noting, service intervals are tailored to the owner and are not set on a specific time or mileage.
Transporter Vital Statistics:
Payload 718-1331kg
Height 1,990 - 2,476mm
Length 4,892 - 5,292mm
Width 2,283
Economy 42 - 47mpg
3. Ford Transit Custom
You simply can't compile a 'popular' van list without the mention of a Ford Transit, it's simply one of the best vans out there! Often referred to as 'the backbone of Britain' the popularity of the Transit has been quite obvious since it launched way back in 1965. The latest Transit was first introduced in 2012 and still looks as fresh as it did on launch, despite having newer released competitors. The Transit is easy to drive and very car-like inside, which is no bad thing and one of the many reasons for its historic success. The interior is also very refined, quiet and comfortable. Running costs are typically Ford and so are very reasonable, similar to competition with around 46mpg average, with service intervals falling every two years or 30/36000 miles depending on engine size.
Transit Custom Vital Statistics:
Payload 643 - 1507kg
Height 2,020mm
Length 4,972 - 5,339mm
Width 1,986mm
Economy 46mpg
4. Vauxhall Movano
The Vauxhall Movano range offers a vast amount of choice and personalisation, which is one of the many reasons it makes our most popular fleet vans list. The Movano shares the same platform as the Renault Master and Nissan NV400 which at first glance look rather similar. The front end and grille area are where you start to see the individuality and this becomes even more apparent with the Vauxhall badge and styling which are seen across their car and van range. The Movano is also quite large, being the next size up from the Vivaro featured in this list. This means that its economy is obviously lower, but around 35mpg is possible - respectable for such a large van. Servicing is also the usual 2-year period.
Movano Vital Statistics:
Payload 966 - 2,254kg
Height 2,307 - 2,808mm
Length 5,048 - 6,848mm
Width 2,070mm
Economy 29 - 41mpg
5. Citroen Dispatch 2016 onwards
The Citroen Dispatch is another highly popular van - one which is shared by three manufacturers all with their own slightly different styling differences. Engines are either a diesel BlueHDi 1.6 or 2.0-litre and are all Euro 6 emissions compliant - which are both powerful and torquey as well as delivering excellent mpg - which are class leading. Base models come with a generous amount of standard specification which include USB connectivity, DAB radio, remote central-locking and cruise control. Interiors are car-like, which is always welcome to make the Dispatch feel less commercial and more luxury. Service intervals are the almost textbook van recommendations - 2 years or 25,000 miles - whichever comes first.
Citroen Dispatch Vital Statistics:
Payload Up to 1400kg
Height 1,900 - 1,940mm
Length 4,609 - 5,309mm
Width 1,920mm
Economy 46 - 54mpg